Afghan Civilian Casualties Down

The United Nations says civilian casualties in Afghanistan have decreased for the first time in six years.

The report says, however, that insurgent attacks on government employees, tribal elders, and local leaders increased by a massive 700 percent in 2012.

The annual report from the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan said there was a 12 percent drop in civilian deaths in 2012. It said at least 2,754 Afghan civilians were killed last year, compared to 3,131 in 2011.

Including injuries, the report says there was a 4 percent decrease in total civilian casualties, with 7,559 reported in 2012.

The report says Taliban militants were responsible for more than 80 percent of the casualties.

The report said at least 107 Afghan civilian government workers were killed in 2012.